Pictures & Words [christmas break 2015]

It has become a bit of a tradition for us.

I arrive in Sioux Falls, spend time with family and close friends,

then pretty quickly end up at Coffea with Jess.

It's a treasured time for me 

and something I look forward to for months.

I had the privilege of hosting Liam's 3rd birthday party this year

and I loved every second of the process.

With balloons, hockey, party hats, pie, and loved ones

it was quite the celebration!

Not much compares to the candlelight Christmas Eve service

with family.

Our Christmas Eve crew has shrunk 

with marriages and babies entering the picture.

At first I wasn't excited about this change,

but then we started illegally crossing railroad bridges at midnight.

Every year is an adventure.

and I love it.

Bringing back Dominican snacks 

for this snack loving grandpa.

Do you girls even remember what was funny?

I love connecting with these ladies beyond 

our daily snap chats and e-mails.

These two.

I love being near them.

Time away with the Caselli family

is a treasure to me.

I had been looking forward to this for months and months

and our time together was sweeter than I had been dreaming.

My mom and I were getting ready for a wedding side by side.

so good.

I wish I could say that I was all smiles the whole time,

but I was rushing and crabby.

Good thing my mama still loves crabby Morgan.

People often confuse us for sisters.

I have no idea why...

Growing up alongside my "Young Life girls"

has been an honor.

Catching up over FaceTime is great,

but together in a coffee shop talking about real life

makes me feel like I was made for moments life this.

One of my most favorite parts of Christmas Break 2015

was RiAnna and Zak's wedding dance.

it.was.epic.

We intentionally set aside a whole day for each other 

every summer and winter.

I absolutely love these days with my college beseties.

My safe base and my people.

[my mom cutting Ian's hair and Laim talking with my dad]

This break was extra special for Hanalei and I 

because she was old enough for us to really bond.

I am now known as "Morgan coming"

and I am completely okay with that.

Liam and I on a "coffee date"

and we got to check out Kayla's amazing barista skills!

Cuddling on the couch with these three

is something I do not take for granted.

My love for them is strong.

Last but certainly not least is a photo taken by Liam

of Amy, my peach, and me.

[my peach = my new niece or nephew!!]

I've said it before and I will say it again.

These are people and places

I am extremely blessed to miss.

What people or places are you blessed to miss?

Tour [Kindergarten Insect Expedition 2014]

Better late than never, right?

Our big Fall Expedition was wonderful.

We explored insects and,

let me tell you,

5 year olds love insects.

Bees, butterflies, fireflies, and ladybugs

were our focus for several weeks.

Mosquitos.

Then we got down to the dirty work.

The little bites are more than an itching threat on this island.

They carry dengue and chikungunya,

two sicknesses that take you down.  HARD.

We explored patterns and addition in math.

We explored Eric Carle books during reading.

We sang song after song about the little six-legged critters.

We heard from experts.

We got out into the word.

We researched ways to prevent getting dengue or chikungunya.

We illustrated and wrote posters to share

with our families, school, churches, and neighbors.

We showed off all our hard work in our classroom.

We prepared songs, a video, and thoughts to share.

It all climaxed with Expedition Night!

Energy and excitement was high

and our families learned something new

and loved it.

It.was.so.good.

#DominicanThanksgiving [part 2]

Saturday we headed up the mountain

[a whopping 10 minute drive]

to a cabin [read: wonderful and large house]

for a nights stay.

Thank you Wallace Family for your generosity.

You are inspiring to say the least. 

kneading dough and baking with yeast

oh yeah we used the espresso machine

We struggled all Saturday to get the oven to work.

No such luck.

I was truly challenged while I watched Brad prepare 

the chicken for our big Thanksgiving dinner.

The oven wasn't working, but he was putting so much effort

in preparing the bird.

It was a lesson in trust and expectant hope.

Victory is ours!

Thanksgiving dinner is saved!

This celebration was fabulous.

two girls perfecting their crafts

[Emily - cooking

Alicia - art]

window peeping on a busy kitchen

crackling fire

Curt's apple pie

and mini pumpkin pies...

dessert and 1st breakfast...

early morning sit 

with good books and good friends

It's official!

Emily and I are trained baristas!

Thanks Neal ;)

Thanksgiving 2014 breakfast crew

"You've made crepes before, right?"

"No... I thought you had..."

we were spoiled

with views

with food

with friends

Holidays are not complete without

watching "White Christmas"

in your jammies.

twinkle light putter uppers

What a splendid Thanksgiving break.

Although we live on an island,

things are not always perfect here.

It's still normal life.

[just a bit warmer]

But this holiday break was exceptionally wonderful.

I hope yours was too.

What was the highlight of your Thanksgiving this year?

#DominicanThanksgiving [part 1]

Holidays without family can be rough.

But when you have friends who stand in as family

it tends to work out alright.

First things first...

a trip to la cancha.

Overwhelming to put it nicely.

[la cancha is the Walmart of Jarabacoa.

But right now they are in the middle of a remodel.

Think construction workers, giant holes, jack hammers,

and piles of merchandise everywhere.]

Preparing my auyama for our Thanksgiving dinner.

[auyama is the squash here, it's comparable to pumpkin]

Doulos Thanksgiving is one of my favorite events of the year!

We all gather for games, fellowship, and delicious food.

Look who is growing up!

Cresly is doing great in 1st grade.

Holidays would not be holidays without

at least skyping with family.

I love you, Grandpa!

[isn't my grandpa handsome?]

Midday neighbor hangouts are a must.

We have the cutest girls next door.

On Friday night we drove 1 1/2 hours to watch some 

Dominican winter league baseball!

Manny Ramirez at bat.

The crowd goes wild!

Saturday morning we headed up the mountain

to a lovely cabin for a night.

But more on that in part 2 :)